“When you bring your cat in for a routine exam, you hope it’s routine,” says Dean Dan Givens of the vet school at Virginia Tech, the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. “And I hope it’s routine.” But the physical exam at the center of that visit, he says, “may find a swollen lymph node. It may find something that you weren’t anticipating would be a problem.”
That is where Episode 2 of The Vet School in Our Backyard begins. Columbia Pike made the series together with the college, and this episode shows why a vet school in Blacksburg matters to you and your pet here in Annandale.
Register for the free October 14 webinarSchedule an Appointment
Call us at (703) 256-8414.
Why do routine vet exams matter?
Because a hands-on exam can find what you cannot see at home. Most of the time it finds nothing big, and that is the outcome everyone hopes for. “Hopefully it’s nothing big at all,” the Dean says. “It won’t require any treatment at all.”
When more steps are needed, he wants the veterinarian and the team they train to be ready. “We want to make sure the veterinarian and the staff who that veterinarian works to train are both confident and competent in providing that routine care.” Our wellness exams for dogs and wellness checkups for cats are built around that exam.
How does Virginia Tech train veterinarians for the exam room?
By getting students into the clinic early. This fall the college welcomed the Class of 2030. “It’s very competitive to get into a college of vet medicine,” the Dean says, and new students arrive asking themselves whether they will be able to learn all they need to learn to be a good veterinarian.
The college moves them quickly into what it calls experiential learning, working with doctors in its teaching hospitals. “It is so critical just to have your hands on the animal,” the Dean says, “to be in the environment of that exam room when you’re seeing the question on the face of the client.”
Where does the vet school at Virginia Tech see patients?
In three places, and the Dean names all of them in Episode 2. The Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Blacksburg “sees small animals and large animals.” The Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg sees “amazing equine athletes and beloved equine companions.” The Animal Cancer Care and Research Center in Roanoke sees dogs, cats and other animals that have been diagnosed with cancer.
The college’s research reaches people, too. Dr. John Rossmeisl, a veterinary neurologist at the college, studies an aggressive brain cancer that occurs in both dogs and people. The Dean says his work “clearly improves the lives of dogs that have this type of aggressive brain cancer,” and the treatments he is developing are having “a great positive impact on the lives of people.”
How is Columbia Pike connected to the college?
Our owner, Dr. Reed Hall, graduated from the college in 1996, and the Dean names him as an example of the college’s relationship with practitioners. Columbia Pike is also home to Vet Ready, our internship program for new veterinarians. In Episode 2, Dr. Hall describes its first year simply: “You learn by doing, not watching.”
That training shows up at every hour here. Columbia Pike is open 24 hours a day, every day, with no additional emergency fee.
How can you learn more about the college?
The college’s teaching hospital sees more than 16,000 pets a year, and Virginia Tech has approved a $63 million project to renovate and expand it while it stays open. Virginia Tech is hosting Expanding Into Tomorrow: Approved and In Motion, a free live webinar about the project, on Wednesday, October 14, from 4 to 5 p.m. Eastern on Zoom. Dean Givens and members of the college, including the lead architect, will share the plans and take questions. Dr. Reed Hall is on the panel. You can register free on the official event page.
What comes next in the series?
Episode 1, There’s a Vet School in Your Backyard, introduces the college and Dr. Hall’s return to campus. Episode 3, Building What’s Next, covers the teaching hospital expansion and is coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my pet need a routine exam?
A hands-on physical exam can find things you would not notice at home, like a swollen lymph node. Most of the time the exam finds nothing big, and that is the goal.
Does Columbia Pike offer wellness plans?
Yes. See what our wellness plans include.
Where does the vet school at Virginia Tech see patients?
In Blacksburg at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, in Leesburg at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, and in Roanoke at the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center.
Is the October 14 webinar free?
Yes. It runs from 4 to 5 p.m. Eastern on Zoom, and you can register free on the official event page.
Is Columbia Pike open 24/7?
Yes. Columbia Pike is open 24 hours a day, every day, with no additional emergency fee. Call (703) 256-8414.
How do you schedule an appointment at Columbia Pike?
Schedule online at columbiapikeanimalh.com/schedule-appointment, or call (703) 256-8414. If your pet needs care now, come in any hour.
Register for the free October 14 webinarSchedule an Appointment
Call us at (703) 256-8414.
Columbia Pike Animal Hospital & Emergency Center, 4205 Evergreen Ln, Annandale, VA 22003. Love People. Love Pets.